Chantaburi is a province in Eastern Thailand blessed with beautiful scenery, from pristine beaches to stunning mountains. Its towns are also steeped in history, with old buildings from the 19th century still standing to this day.
One of the best places to learn about the history of this province is Chantaburi's old town, or "Chantabun", an ancient waterfront community and former residential area that was mostly inhabited by Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants. This incredibly unique blend of cultures creates one of the most charming Thai towns you will ever experience.
Within this travel guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a fantastic trip to Chantaburi's Old Town. Without further ado, here are the ten best things to do in Chantaburi's Old Town for solo travelers:
- Chantaburi's Old Town Things to do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Chantaburi's Old Town?
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10 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi's Old Town
- Spend a Night in a Heritage Inn
- Admire the Beauty of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Visit Wat Khet Na Bunyaram
- Walk Around Chantaburi's Waterfront Promenade
- Check Out the Free Chanthaburi River Community Cultural Center
- Try the Guay Jub Nam Kon at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant
- Check Out the Largest Gem Market in Thailand
- Stroll Around Wat Phai Lom
- Find a Nice Cafe and Relax by the River
- Keep an Eye Out For Old Beautiful Buildings around Namphu Market
- What to Eat and Drink in Chantaburi's Old Town
- More Chantaburi's Old Town Activities
- Thailand Travel Video
- What to Pack for Chantaburi's Old Town?
- Further Reading for Eastern Thailand
Chantaburi's Old Town Things to do Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi's Old Town
1. Spend a Night in a Heritage Inn
One of the highlights of visiting Chantaburi's Old Town is to spend a night in a heritage inn and see firsthand what life was like living in this historic town back in the day. One of the best places to stay is Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, located right by the bank of Chantaburi River.
Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn is a 150-year-old establishment situated at the heart of the Chantabun community, commemorating the legend of Luang Rajamaitri, the benefactor of the region.
The inn houses a small museum on the first floor, showcasing a diverse collection of vintage artifacts from that era. Items such as an old typewriter, official documents, and vintage photographs provide us with a glimpse into the way of life of the people here during that period.
- Chernchan Hostel (Budget)
- Baan Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Punyashthiti villa (High-End)
The entire building retains its original teakwood structure while also incorporating a modern cement structure. It is equipped with modern facilities to accommodate those who wish to stay overnight, preserving its historical authenticity while also adding contemporary convenience.
The room is great with old wooden furniture, a tall ceiling, and they serve a great selection of breakfast, some of which is sourced from the community itself, like Guay Jub Nam Kon, which I highly recommend.
Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn is also not overly expensive, at around 45 USD per night for 2 people. Be sure to book it in advance as it's a small inn and it can get booked out quite fast. Since you are in an old town, there's no designated parking space, but you can park your car for free at Wat Bot Muang nearby.
If you are looking for a more high-end heritage inn to stay, you can also check out Punyashthiti Villa, another restored historical inn with three floors' worth of free museum, a riverside cafe, and several high-end rooms available for you to choose from. It's more expensive, but it's a bit larger than Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, which might be more suitable if you are in a big group.
All in all, you will thoroughly enjoy your time staying in these historic inns during your visit. Staying overnight allows you to take it slow and truly immerse yourself in the laid-back vibe of this historic waterfront community.
Where to Stay in Chantaburi's Old Town?
2. Admire the Beauty of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Not gonna lie, I did not expect to see a Catholic cathedral here in Chantaburi, and it is one of the most beautiful and renowned landmarks in the province, which surprises me even more. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a remnant of the French presence here back in the early 20th Century.
During that time, the French briefly occupied Chantaburi to exert pressure on Thailand (Siam at the time) to relinquish control of Lan Xang (Laos) and a few provinces in Cambodia as part of France's establishment of its Indochina colony.
Due to an influx of Vietnamese Catholic migrants from Vietnam, even before the French occupation of Chantaburi, the Catholic population steadily grew. They initially constructed a church on the opposite side of the lake. However, with significant growth, they relocated the church to its current spot and reconstructed the present-day church, featuring Western architecture in the Gothic style.
If you think the exterior is beautiful, wait until you see the interior of the church. I went there one morning and the church was open to visitors. Even though I kind of expected the interior to be rundown and plain, much like most old Catholic churches I see across Southeast Asia, I was surprised to see just how immaculately decorated and well-kept the place is.
If it is open when you are there, be sure to get inside and check out its beautiful interior. The church is open from 9 AM to 3 PM every day, except on Sundays when it opens from 12 PM to 4 PM. Entrance to the church is free of charge.
3. Visit Wat Khet Na Bunyaram
Wat Khet Na Bunyaram is a large Vietnamese-Chinese temple located right by Chantaburi's Old Town, and it is another attraction that shows just how diverse and unique the Chantabun community is.
The temple features a stunning roof design that blends the Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural styles with its bright colors, sculptures of mythical animals like garudas and dragons, and rounded roof tiles typical of Chinese temples.
The temple gate itself is also immaculately designed with colorful decorations, sculptures, and a sign in three languages: Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. I've never seen a temple quite like it, so be sure to explore it thoroughly. The temple is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips.
4. Walk Around Chantaburi's Waterfront Promenade
One of my favorite morning activities here is walking around the Chantaburi Waterfront Promenade, which forms a loop starting from the old town. The route crosses the river via Wat Chantanaram Bridge, follows the east bank, and returns to the old town via Niramol Bridge, allowing you to see much of Chantaburi's Old Town in one go.
After you cross Wat Chantanaram Bridge, you will have a pretty amazing view of the waterfront community with all its teakwood houses on stilts and the pagoda of Wat Bot Muang, shimmering in gold against the backdrop of the blue sky. That is the money shot right here.
As you walk along the river, you will see the old town from a different perspective that you wouldn't experience if you walked on the opposite side, as it allows you to witness the lives of the local people. They rely on the flow of Chantaburi River, much like their ancestors did many decades ago.
The whole walk should take about 20 minutes, and you will be passing some of the most beautiful old buildings in the Old Town, so be sure to keep an eye out for that. Since it can get pretty hot here, I highly recommend you do the loop in the early morning or late evening.
The sunset from across the river is also pretty awesome. There are also many restaurants where you can have dinner on the other side of the river, such as Chong The Eh, known for their seafood dish and other local cuisine you can try. If you have the time, make sure to explore both sides of the Chantaburi River while you are here.
5. Check Out the Free Chanthaburi River Community Cultural Center
The Chanthaburi River Community Cultural Center is a free museum where you can explore and learn more about the history of Chantaburi's Old Town and the way of life during that era. The center aims to preserve the old way of life of the local people as well as educate us on what makes this community so unique.
The center consists of two floors with several sections housing old items donated by the local people, old photographs providing a glimpse of life back then, and storyboards for you to learn more about the unique culture and its diverse population.
It is a nice place to walk around and a great way to kill some time as you explore Chantaburi's Old Town. The museum is open from 10:30 AM to 4 PM every day, and the entrance fee is free of charge. If you love history and want to learn more about Chantaburi's Old Town, be sure to drop by Chanthaburi River Community Cultural Center.
6. Try the Guay Jub Nam Kon at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant
If you are in Chantaburi's Old Town, you have to try the delicious Guay Jub Nam Kon or rolled noodles in five spice broth for breakfast at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant, an old local restaurant that has been serving their unique bowl of broths for decades.
The savory, thick soup from their Guay Jub bowls is unlike anything I've tasted before. While I'm not usually a Guay Jub guy, I absolutely love this one. The broth is so flavorful that it's hard to put my spoon down after the first taste.
The dish is also sprinkled with several toppings, ranging from crispy grilled pork belly to fried tofu and the delicious Five-Spice Egg. The rice noodle is soft and smooth; it's hard not to recommend this dish. If you are staying at Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, you can choose Guay Jub for breakfast as it is included in the hotel price. Another reason to stay in that great heritage inn.
7. Check Out the Largest Gem Market in Thailand
Not too far from Chantaburi's Old Town, you will also find the Chanthaburi Gems Market, which is one of the most famous gem markets in Thailand, so much so that it has given Chantaburi the nickname "City of Gems."
Along "Gem Road" or Si Chan Road, you will find more than 120 shops specializing in gold, gems, and precious stones clustered together on a single street. You can experience the gem-dealing atmosphere that involves middlemen purchasing gemstones from mines and subsequently reselling them to retailers or customers.
The Gems Market operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Price surveys typically occur on Fridays, with the actual trading taking place on Saturdays, so be sure to plan your trip carefully if you want to witness the gem-trading atmosphere.
8. Stroll Around Wat Phai Lom (Royal Monastery)
Not too far from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, you will find Wat Phai Lom (Royal Monastery), a quiet old temple that was established way back in the late Ayutthaya era and has served as a Buddhist school for monks for more than 100 years.
At this temple, you will find several buildings with the main ordination hall featuring beautiful architectural styles that range from the old Ratanakosin to Chinese to western styles. You will also find a large reclining Buddha in one of them.
Here, you can observe the distinct architectural style of a Thai temple compared to others. It's a great place to explore, especially after you have visited the Catholic church and the Vietnamese temple. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee.
9. Find a Nice Cafe and Relax by the River
The key to enjoying your time in Chantaburi's Old Town is to take it slow and find a nice, quiet place by the river to relax and watch the day go by. There are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants to do just that.
If you are looking for a nice and spacious open-air restaurant where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or a delicious dessert, I highly recommend Yindee Cafe. They offer a wide selection of dishes for both lunch and dinner, as well as desserts and coffees. It's the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the river view.
For refreshing drinks, cakes, and pastries, you can't go wrong with Sweet At Moon Cafe, a sweet shop with a nice river deck where you can enjoy the wide variety of homemade pastries that they make fresh every day.
There are countless cafes and restaurants along the river, so you should have no trouble finding the one you like. If you are looking to kill some time here, be sure to check out some of these cafes!
10. Keep an Eye Out For Old Beautiful Buildings around Namphu Market
Last but not least, Chantaburi's Old Town is not confined to the river only; it extends all the way to Namphu Market. To truly appreciate the beauty of Chantaburi's Old Town, I highly recommend exploring both the riverside and the non-river side of town.
Keep an eye out for the old, beautiful buildings around Namphu Market that seem stuck in the 80s and 90s. Many of them are abandoned, but you can still catch a glimpse of how bustling the city was back in the day.
From old abandoned cinemas to decades-old storefronts with beautiful Chinese-style signs and decor, there are numerous hidden gems waiting for you to explore here. Be sure to spend some time thoroughly exploring the streets of Chanthaburi's Old Town.
What to Eat and Drink in Chantaburi's Old Town
1. Try the Guay Jub Nam Kon at Pa Mai Restaurant
If you are in Chantaburi's Old Town, you have to try the delicious Guay Jub Nam Kon or rolled noodles in five-spice broth for breakfast at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant, an old local restaurant that has been serving their unique bowl of broths for decades.
The savory, thick soup from their Guay Jub bowls is unlike anything I've tasted before. While I'm not usually a Guay Jub guy, I absolutely love this one. The broth is so flavorful that it's hard to put my spoon down after the first taste.
The dish is also sprinkled with several toppings, ranging from crispy grilled pork belly to fried tofu and the delicious Five-Spice Egg. All of this for only 40 THB, which makes it even harder not to recommend. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 3 PM every day, and you can have Guay Jub for both breakfast or lunch, so be sure to check them out.
2. Enjoy pastries By the River at Sweet At Moon Cafe
For refreshing drinks, cakes, and pastries, you can't go wrong with Sweet At Moon Cafe, a sweet shop with a nice river deck where you can enjoy the wide variety of homemade pastries that they make fresh every day.
Their cakes are delicious and not overly expensive. You know they make them fresh as you will often see the staff making them as you walk inside the cafe. The cafe is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day. If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a nice cafe to enjoy, be sure to check out Sweet At Moon Cafe.
3. Enjoy Lunch and Dessert at Yindee Cafe
If you are looking for a nice and spacious open-air restaurant where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or a delicious dessert, I highly recommend Yindee Cafe. They offer a wide selection of dishes for both lunch and dinner, as well as desserts and coffees. It's a perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the river view.
I tried their Tom Yum Seafood dish, and it was delicious. I highly recommend you try it, as well as their Thai desserts, like a fruit bowl with yogurt, signature fruit salad, and more! The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, except on Wednesdays.
4. Try the Real Local Dish Cuisine at Chantorn Pochana Restaurant
If you are craving proper Chantaburi's authentic cuisine, Chantorn Pochana Restaurant is the place where locals would go. It is a roadside restaurant with a wide selection of Chantaburi's famous dishes, such as traditional fried noodles with crispy crab, stir-fried fish with "Krawan" (Cardamom stem), and more.
If you want to try the real cuisine of Chantaburi, you can't go wrong with Chantorn Pochana Restaurant. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 8 PM every day. They also have a souvenir shop where you can buy some dried food and snacks to take back home, so be sure to check it out.
5. Try the Durian Ice Cream at Rocket Ice Cream Shop
Rocket Ice Cream Shop is an old ice cream shop that has been operating on this street for over 50 years. They offer a variety of Boran ice cream or Thai traditional ice cream on sticks with a wide range of flavors to choose from.
My favorite flavor is Durian, and you're going to love it. It is sweet and delicious, and that is coming from someone who does not personally enjoy Durians as much as most Thais do. The ice cream costs only 12 THB, which makes for a great little dessert you can have after all the seafood meal you had elsewhere.
The ice cream shop is open from 7 AM to 8 PM every day, and you can order whichever flavor you want straight from the window right on the street. Make sure to check them out while you are in Chantaburi's Old Town.
What to Pack for Chantaburi's Old Town?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chantaburi's Old Town, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Chantaburi's Old Town, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Eastern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Eastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Eastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Pattaya City is no longer a sin city it used to be as the city shifts its focus to becoming a more family-friendly destination. Here are the 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pattaya City.
- Want to visit Rayong soon? You are going to love this! Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Rayong.
- For the best things to do in Chantaburi, be sure to check out our guide: 13 Best Things to do in Chantaburi.
- For the best island getaway in Eastern Thailand, Koh Chang is still the best with its stunning beauty and affordability. Here are the 12 Best Things to do in Koh Chang.
- If you are looking for the most beautiful island in Thailand, Koh Kood is the place to be. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Kood.
- For a complete travel guide to the whole of Trat province, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Trat.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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